Consumers Energy Makes Good on Promise to Businesses, Spending Over $1 Billion with Michigan Companies in Last Year

JACKSON, Mich., May 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is making good on a five-year commitment to Michigan businesses, announcing today that it has spent over $1 billion in less than a year with employers based in the Great Lakes State.

"By investing in our home state of Michigan, we are helping businesses grow. That leads to our state being a better place to work and raise a family," said Dan Malone, Consumers Energy's senior vice president of energy resources. "We are following through on our word and are even ahead of schedule, putting our dollars into Michigan businesses and creating jobs."

Consumers Energy committed last spring to spending $5 billion with Michigan businesses over the next five years. Since June 2015, the energy provider has spent over $1 billion with nearly 3,000 businesses in 71 Michigan counties.

In addition, Consumers Energy actively encourages its Michigan-based suppliers to use sub-contractors and suppliers based in the state through its "Pay It Forward" program to help stimulate economic growth.

Consumers Energy was one of the first members of Pure Michigan Business Connect. The public-private alliance of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., state agencies and major Michigan employers works to connect in-state companies to business resources. As part of that commitment, the energy provider increased its spending with Michigan employers by $1 billion from 2011 to 2015, reaching its goal a year ahead of schedule.

Sue Bursteinowicz, president of Aarons Fabrication in Macomb County, said her fabrication shop's relationship with Consumers Energy has made a positive impact.

"Based on all my years in this industry, I can honestly say Consumers Energy is the best large company to deal with," Bursteinowicz said. "Consumers Energy reached out and committed to working with small business in Michigan – a commitment they take seriously. The company goes out of their way to make your relationship with them a success story."

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com.

What They're Saying

What Michigan businesses say about Consumers Energy:

"Consumers Energy is continually proving their commitment to Pure Michigan Business Connect. Their partnership provides just one example of Michigan-based businesses working together to strengthen and develop our great state's economy and workforce."
-- Jim Aiello, vice president of sales, Shelving Inc. (Oakland County)

"Consumers Energy is our top customer in Michigan and has had a tremendous impact on our business. We appreciate that Consumers Energy is focusing on working with businesses in Michigan."
-- Ted Anton, CEO, Newkirk Electric (Muskegon)

"Our family of companies has been doing business with Consumers Energy. Their commitment to us and businesses in Michigan has allowed us to grow and expand our services. The relationship we have with CE can only be defined as a true partnership."
-- Michael R. Bigford, president and CEO, Utility Supply and Construction Co. (Reed City)

"We are grateful for the opportunities that Consumers Energy has invited us to participate in. The direct result has been more jobs for one of the largest workforces in Northeast Michigan."
-- Tom Moran, CEO and founder, Moran Iron Works (Presque Isle County)

"The projects we have completed for Consumers Energy have not only benefited Pumford Construction as a company, but have also provided jobs for thousands of Michigan-based men and women."
-- James M. Jacobs, vice president, Pumford Construction (Saginaw)

Media toolkit

LEARN MORE: Learn about Consumers Energy's commitment to Michigan businesses: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/puremichigan  

PMBC: Learn more about Pure Michigan Business Connect: www.michiganbusiness.org/grow/pure-michigan-business-connect/

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media
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SOURCE Consumers Energy

Related Links

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